Yes, bobcats are present in Ohio, marking the successful return of a native species to the state. This resilient wild cat, once extirpated, has re-established a resident population, particularly in forested regions. Confirmed sightings are becoming increasingly common across various parts of the state. Understanding the history of their return, their preferred habitats, and how to identify them is helpful for anyone navigating Ohio’s natural areas.
Ohio’s Bobcat Population Status
Bobcats were historically abundant across Ohio before European settlement but were nearly eliminated by 1850 due to widespread deforestation and unregulated fur harvesting. The species was considered extirpated for nearly a century before the first modern-day sighting was reported in 1946. This initial return was driven by the natural reforestation of abandoned farmlands and the expansion of populations from neighboring states like West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Sightings began to increase steadily in the early 2000s. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife now confirms over 500 bobcat sightings annually, with reports spanning 86 of Ohio’s 88 counties. The species was removed from Ohio’s endangered or threatened list in 2014, reflecting the success of their population recovery and expansion, especially in the state’s eastern and southern portions.
Where to Find Bobcats in Ohio
Bobcats are primarily concentrated in the southeastern and eastern regions of Ohio, where large, unfragmented forest cover is most abundant. This area, which includes the Appalachian foothills, provides the rugged terrain and dense vegetation they prefer. Their territories often span six to twelve square miles of wooded land adjacent to open areas used for hunting.
The cats adapt to a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests, swamps, and brushy fields, provided adequate prey and cover are available. While the southeast remains the population stronghold, bobcats are expanding into moderately suitable habitats in the northeast and southwest. They use river valleys and forested corridors to disperse throughout the state, occasionally leading to sightings in agricultural or developed areas.
How to Identify a Bobcat
Distinguishing a bobcat from a large domestic cat or a coyote relies on several distinct physical features. The most defining characteristic is its namesake: a short, “bobbed” tail measuring four to six inches long, which is black-tipped on the top and white underneath. Adults weigh between nine and forty pounds and measure 28 to 40 inches in length, making them about twice the size of an average housecat.
Their coat is buff, yellowish-brown, or reddish-brown, marked with varying degrees of black spots or bars. The ears are pointed and often feature small black tufts at the tips, and they have prominent facial ruffs. Bobcats are solitary and mostly nocturnal, making sightings rare, but they are most active during the early morning and late evening hours.
Legal Protections and Public Safety
The bobcat is classified as a protected furbearer in Ohio, and it is illegal to hunt or trap them in the state. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) monitors and manages the population through confirmed sighting reports, roadkill data, and research projects. The ODNR encourages the public to report sightings to aid in population tracking.
Bobcats are generally reclusive and pose little threat to humans, but precautions are advisable in areas where they are present. To deter bobcats from residential areas, secure outdoor food sources, such as pet food, garbage, and chicken coops. If an encounter occurs, maintain a safe distance, never approach the animal, and make loud noises to encourage the bobcat to move away.